Digital Catapult
R&D Proposals Manager
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R&D Proposals Manager
R&D Proposals Lead – Join Digital Catapult
Play a critical role in shaping the UK’s future in advanced digital technologies. Based in Belfast, Bristol, Gateshead, or London, this role sits at the intersection of pre-award operations and strategic bid management, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely R&D proposals across public and private funding sources.
About the Role
As the R&D Proposals Lead, you will:
- Drive proposal excellence and deliver high-value, complex R&D and commercial bids
- Work between internal teams and external partners to align proposals with funder expectations
- Guide and optimise pre-award proposal management and bid development processes
What You’ll Do
Core Responsibilities
- Collaborate with teams to develop and submit high-value, complex R&D grant proposals and commercial bids
- Coordinate internal bid teams across departments, ensuring quality and timely submissions
- Interpret funder documentation and advise on requirements, compliance, and internal processes
- Support budget development aligned with Full Economic Costing (FEC) and funder guidelines
- Improve and streamline pre-award proposal management and bid development systems
- Lead proposal content strategy, focusing on impact, innovation, and collaboration
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Requirements & Experience
Required:
- Proven experience in managing and submitting R&D grant proposals or commercial bids
- Understanding of public funding sources (e.g., UKRI, Innovate UK, EC Horizon)
- Strong skills in stakeholder coordination, communication, and meeting tight deadlines
- Familiarity with FEC principles and proposal budget development
- Ability to write, review, and enhance proposal narratives and documentation
- Experience in or supporting innovation or R&D environments
Benefits & Package
- Salary: £40,000–£50,000 per annum (subject to experience)
- Discretionary bonus + competitive benefits package
- Comprehensive holiday entitlements (25 days + 3 Christmas days)
- Double-matched pension (up to 10% of salary)
- £4,000 salary sacrifice scheme for personal benefits, including:
- Private Medical Insurance
- Enhanced pension contributions
- E-vehicle scheme, gym discounts, and more
- 4x salary life insurance
- Free access to Employee Assistance and Financial Wellbeing advice
- Hybrid working (2 days in office, with options for increased onsite presence)
- Full investment in ongoing learning and development
- Excellent company culture, ED&I initiatives, and a supportive network
- Regular company social events, team activities, and volunteering opportunities
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Deadline & How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their CV to digital-catapult@jobs.workablemail.com by Monday July 13, 2025 (3:00 PM BST).
Digital Catapult’s Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We welcome applications from:
- Neurodivergent candidates
- Minority and underrepresented groups
- Candidates with varying levels of experience
As a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer, we guarantee interviews to all qualified disabled applicants.
Join an organisation ranked in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and running innovative, tech-driven initiatives across the UK.
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